Kilkenny College Music Department Notes Summer 2021
Despite every imaginable obstacle in our way the teachers and students within the music department have managed to keep music to the fore in Kilkenny College. From transition year podcasts to Zoom lessons and outdoor rehearsals we made the most of the 2020/2021 school year. The culmination of our years’ work was the Musical evening which was pre-recorded and premiered on the schools YouTube channel on the 20th of May. It’s still available to download so check it out. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K1j6JZU2Lbc
During 2020’s first lockdown we had ‘The Starnes Sister’s’ entertain us via their Facebook page. This year they took part in TG4’s Realta agus Gaolta programme. Despite an amazing performance the girls failed to progress to the final. We wish past pupil Alana and current transition year student Abbey all the best in the future.
With the grade exams moving online this year our students had to pre-record their exams. This was a first for many and despite all the technical challenges our students persevered. Thirteen woodwind and brass students completed their graded certificates with the Royal Irish Academy of Music (RIAM), numerous students continued with their piano, voice, flute, and strings exams with the various exam boards. Several percussion students were awarded distinctions from the Trinity College London Rock and Pop exams. Well done to all.
Due to Covid-19 restrictions it was a quieter year than usual for the jazz band. Nevertheless, they managed to get together outside Celbridge house in May to record a performance of Elton John’s – I’m still standing for the music evening. After a year of no concerts, it was great to see the jazz band back to doing what they do best. Well done to Mr. Eamon Cahill for preparing his students so well.
Congratulations to Teige Powell form 6, a long-standing member of the school jazz band and an in-demand bass player for some of the other school bands. Teige has been accepted to study jazz bass with Mr. Ronan Guilfoyle for the BA in Jazz and Contemporary performance at DCU. Everyone in the music department wishes him the best in the future.
Our transition year music students performed for their virtual graduation. In the summer term they had outdoor music improvisation classes with Mr. Thiede. They also recorded a podcast with Mr. Hickey and Ms. Kavanagh. The online music application form is now open on the school website under extra-curricular. Please contact the music department co-ordinator Ms. Lisa Hennessy with any queries. This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.